Showcasing and supporting the arts through commentary and advocacy.

January 15, 2017January 15, 2017

MAKE SHIFT

Arraign.

It took twenty years to get back to St. Louis. The initial visit was in 1997 with then boyfriend and now husband traveling together for the first time. It marked the beginning of many travels from the Gateway Arch to the Great Wall in China. Connecting destinations through art and grateful for the opportunity.

Last year was invited by Stefanie Kirkland, CRAFT ALLIANCE CENTER OF ART + DESIGN Director, to display my artwork in Make Shift. The concept showcased evidence of today’s environmental concerns and consequences. With Ms. Kirkland in charge, the exhibit undoubtedly would be in good hands. Material can alter function and technology has made it possible.

Captain.

From the Center’s website: “Make Shift focuses on how plastic materials are becoming more dominant in the making process, and on how that shift is changing the nature of craft objects and culture at large. Rather than looking at plastics within the context of trends in up-cycling or recycling, this exhibition illustrates that plastic is a material that can compete with clay, metals, or other traditional craft materials.”

Installing my forty-one acrylic piece installation started at 8:00 am and continued into the afternoon. Artists filtered throughout the day including a local reporter and cameraman. Staff worked diligently adjusting lighting, applying wall text, sweeping the floor, and cleaning surfaces.

The next day would be the reception but Mother Nature had another plan. An epic ice storm roared its way into St. Louis. Safety was top priority with the opening postponed. Secured an early flight just in time to avoid being stranded.

Nature had the last word. Artists continue to reimagine use for change and order. While disappointed to have not met all of my fellow artists, the experience didn’t disappoint.